Five youth football teams from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, including Interfaro, Real Club Victoria, UD Las Coloradas, Atlético Isleta, and UD Muelle Grande, are facing a significant problem: the new lighting at the Jorge Pulido field is insufficient for playing matches at night. The Technical Committee of Referees has already indicated that the facilities do not meet the required light intensity, forcing the teams to seek other fields and compete at a disadvantage.
The old lighting towers were renovated earlier this year by the Municipal Sports Institute after damage sustained from Storm Emilia. While the response was swift, the new installation, anchored to concrete bases near the sidelines, has low light output and has been deemed unsuitable for night competition. The remnants of the old structures, rusty and with exposed wiring, still remain on site.
This situation has compelled the teams to relocate temporarily, a measure they already experienced last season. Fadel Lbaidi, president of Interfaro, expresses his frustration over the lack of a definitive solution, despite understanding the necessity of the works. The issue primarily affects the regional teams, which typically play at night.
In addition to the lighting, the teams report other deficiencies at the public facility, such as security concerns due to easy access to the premises and the vulnerability of the material storage room doors. They also highlight the poor condition of the gate intended for ambulance access in emergencies and the deterioration of some seating areas.
The nets designed to prevent balls from leaving the premises are also in disrepair, incurring significant costs for the teams. Despite these shortcomings, the clubs emphasize the good rapport and coordination among them. The teams hope for a prompt resolution to be able to use the Jorge Pulido field, described as one of the most beautiful in Spain, under appropriate conditions for the upcoming season.
